Cassandra Riediger, 19, and James Lee Thompson, 27, exit the Barnes County District Courtroom on Tuesday morning following a change of plea hearing in which both pleaded guilty to the felony death of Thompson’s 14-month-old son.
(Nikki Laine Zinke/VCTR)

By Steve Browne
Valley City Times-Record

    James Lee Thompson and Cassandra Riediger appeared in court Tuesday to plead guilty to charges stemming from the death of Thompson’s 14-month-old son, Marcus.
    Marcus died of malnutrition and neglect Sept. 15, 2007, while in Thompson’s and Riediger’s care.
    Originally charged with murder, Thompson pleaded guilty under the terms of a plea agreement, to Class B Felony Abuse or Neglect of a Child. The crime carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
    Riediger pleaded guilty to Class C Felony Negligent Homicide, which carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine.
    District Judge Mikal Simonson ordered a pre-sentence investigation and a sentencing date in four to six weeks.
    Thompson’s estranged wife Michelle Noch said, “I’m glad they’re changing their plea (from not guilty),” but in terms of possible sentences,  “I don’t think it’s long enough.”
    Noch said the children had been staying with Thompson since last spring because she was dealing with a stress disorder.

Michelle Noch, 26, sobs quietly Tuesday morning in Barnes County District Court as her estranged husband and his girlfriend pleaded guilty to starving her 14-month-old son to death.  (Nikki Laine Zinke/VCTR)

For full story, see the Wednesday edition of the Valley City Times-Record.